Professor Neena Mitter FTSE
Ag nano innovator
Director, Centre for Horticultural Science, QAAFI, The University of Queensland (QLD)
Professor Neena Mitter is internationally recognised for developing a world-first ag-nano solution to deliver RNA interference using clay nanoparticles as a non-toxic, non-GM, ecologically sustainable “BioClay” spray for crop protection. In partnership with industry, this revolutionary technology is being commercialised for market.
She is Director of a new ARC Industrial Research Transformation Hub on Sustainable Crop protection aimed at reducing the current dependence on chemical-based fungicides for high value broadacre and horticultural crops across the entire supply chain.
Her world-first technique of stem cell-based avocado propagation to address the critical shortage of plant supply has progressed to licensing. These innovative ag-tech platforms will impact the productivity, sustainability and socio-economic fabric of farming communities.
Professor Mitter has received honours including the Young Scientist Award from the Prime Minister of India, a Queensland International Fellowship, the Gates Grand Challenges Explorations Award, a Women in Technology Outstanding Life Sciences Award, and the 2019 Australia India Science, Research & Development Award
Professor Mitter is an active deputy member of the Leadership Council of Cultural Diversity. The Council is a group of leaders drawn from business, government, universities and civil society who are committed to improving the representation of cultural diversity within the leadership of Australian organisations.